Summary
Requires the Department of Homeland Security to create better ways for law enforcement to find illegal drugs like fentanyl, even in very small amounts.
What problem does this solve?
Dangerous drugs like fentanyl are often mixed with other things, making them very hard for police to find. This law helps solve that by funding the creation of new tools and technology to detect these hidden drugs.
Who does this affect?
- Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies
- Department of Homeland Security
- Drug Enforcement Administration
What does this law do?
Develops new drug detection technology
Directs the Department of Homeland Security to research and create better equipment for law enforcement to find drugs like fentanyl and xylazine.
Focuses on portable and safe equipment
Requires the new technology to be portable and able to find drugs with little or no handling, making it safer for officers.
Uses AI to identify new drugs
Promotes using artificial intelligence to predict and identify new illegal drugs that are not yet known or listed in police databases.
Finds drugs in complex mixtures
Tasks the government with creating equipment that can find very small amounts of drugs even when they are mixed with large amounts of other substances.
Sets priorities based on threat reports
Requires that the research priorities be based on the newest threat reports from the Department of Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
What is the real world impact?
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Gives law enforcement better tools to fight the opioid crisis
Provides police with advanced technology to find and identify deadly drugs like fentanyl and xylazine. This helps stop the drugs from reaching communities and makes it safer for officers who might touch them.
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Encourages the use of artificial intelligence in policing
Pushes for the use of AI and machine learning to predict new types of illegal drugs before they become a major problem. This could lead to faster responses to new drug threats.
When does this start?
This law takes effect on December 23, 2024.